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<p>We were disappointed that this matter was referred to the International Court of
Justice, contrary to the principle that the Court should not consider bilateral disputes
without the consent of both States concerned. We have no doubt about our sovereignty
over BIOT, which has been under continuous British sovereignty since 1814.</p><p>We
are aware of the Mauritian Government's proposal to organise a visit to the British
Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). We urge Mauritius to reconsider. Any unauthorised visit
to BIOT will be treated with the utmost seriousness. The UK Government, as the sovereign
authority, will continue to progress an expanded programme of UK-arranged visits to
the British Indian Ocean Territory for Chagossians: five visits have taken place so
far with 76 Chagossians each spending a week visiting the Territory. Two to three
visits are planned to take place each year for the remainder of the life of the support
package. Visits are advertised to Chagossian communities in UK, Mauritius and Seychelles.
Any eligible Chagossian or Chagossian group seeking to visit BIOT is welcome to do
so through this programme.</p>
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